Refuse bag holder

ABSTRACT

A refuse bag holder comprising a base formed of intersecting members, selectedly extensible legs extending upwardly from said base for converging at their upper ends and a support ring secured to the upper ends of said legs. Clasp members are provided on said legs for engaging portions of the bag to be filled. Said support ring is formed of a plurality of components adapted for mutual contraction and expansion for accommodating bags of varying diameter. The components of holder A are designed for assembly and disassembly.

[ Nov. 13, 1973 United States Patent Meeh 4 2,763,377 9/1956 Martin211/73 REFUSE BAG HOLDER FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [22] Filed:

[21] Appl 209,784 Primary Examiner-Roy D. Frazier AssistantExaminerRodney H. Bonck Att0rneyRalph W. Kalish [57] ABSTRACT Arefusebag holder comprising a base formed of in- 248/163 [51] Int. B65b 67/12[58] Field of Search 248/98, 99, 95, 100,

tersecting members, selectedly extensible legs extending upwardly fromsaid base for converging at their [56] References Cited upper ends and asupport ring secured to the upper UNITED STATES PATENTS ends of saidlegs. Clasp members are provided on said legs for engaging portions ofthe bag to be filled. Said 248/97 support ring is formed of a pluralityof components adapted for mutual contraction and expansion foraccommodating bags of varying diameter. The components of holder A aredesigned for assembly and disas- Sembly.

5 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures Madden et Chidsey VosbikianMannix'.......... Wilkinson Pmmmuuv 13 1915 3771.752 SHEET 10F 3INVENTOR ROBERT F. MEEH BY a N.

ATTORNEY PATENTEU BUY 13 I973 SHEET 2 BF 3 FIGS INVENTOR ROBERT F. MEEHQ -rk N ATTORNEY PATENTEDIIHV 13 mm 3.771. 752 SHEET 3EF 3 FIG. I l

INVENTOR ROBERT F. MEEH BY Q ATTORNEY REFUSE BAG HOLDER This inventionrelates in general to refuse or waste containers and more particularlyto a holder for. such containers during filling.

Heretofore various expedients have been contrived for holding flexiblecontainers to facilitate filling of the same, such containers being ofthe sack or bag character. However, currently known structures haveproved relatively complex and heavy as well as being especially designedfor some specific type of container wherein intricate supporting meansare embodied and wherein mechanical elements areincorporatedfor'effecting an automatic closure of the filled bag.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refuseholder which is of extremely simple construction being comprised ofsturdy, yet lightweight components adapted for assembly and disa'ssemblyby the average home owner.

Itis another object of the present invention to provide a holder of thecharacter stated having its constituent elements so interrelated as toprovide easily accomplished adjustment so that bags of varying lengthand width are accommodated with facility.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a holder of thecharacter stated which although particularly suited for home use in thecollection of leaves, grass, and refuse also is equally amenable forindustrial purposes for the filling of preparations normally marketed inflexible bags such as, for instance, fertilizers and the like. I

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide aholder of thecharacter stated which may be most economicallymanufactured, being suitable for high volume low cost production; whichis resistant to breakdown; and which is reliable and durablein usage.

I BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a sideelevational view ofa refuse bag holder constructed. in accordance with and embodying thepresent invention illustrating same inoperative position. m- Y FIG. 2 isa perspective view of a section of the support ring. 7 b

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the support ring in expanded position asviewed along the line 3- -3 of FIG.- I Y FIG. 4 is a top plan view ofthe support tracted condition.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged side view of the por-' tion indicatedby a circular arrow in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary enlarged front view of the clasp shown in FIG.5.

FIG. 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 7--7 ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the upper portion ofthe refuse bag holder having another form of bag engaging means thereon,constructed in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line 9-9 ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view'of the bag engaging means.

FIG. 11 is a top plan of FIG. 1.

ring in conview taken on the line l111 FIG. 12 is a perspective view ofa section of another form of support ring constructedin accordance withand embodying the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now by referencenumerals to the drawings, A designates a holder for refuse bags asindicated in phantom lines in FIG. 1' at B; said holder A being adaptedto maintain such bags, as of paper, plastic, and the like, forfacilitating filling thereof, as with leaves, grass or refuse and theultimate handling of such filler bags. Holder A constitutes an openframework consti- .ends of the companion base member 1. However, the

material of construction may be 24 gauge metal and is relatively lightin weight so that the arching does not require any difficulty infabrication. Said members 1, 2

' are interengaged as by bolts 4 in such overlapping zone 3, and areoptionally of the same length; being secured at their ends, as by bolts5, to the bottom flanges 6 of angle brackets 7 having upstanding arms 8,the planes of which are at an angle of slightly less than 90 degrees tothe respective bottom flanges 6. Secured, as by bolts 9, to each arm'sis the lower end of an upwardly extending base leg section 10 which isdesirably of .channel stock for rigidifying purposes. Each of said baseleg sections 10 is provided at its upper end with a plurality ofopenings 11 for selected alignment with like openings 12 formed in thelower end of a companion upper leg section 13 for receiving bolts 14 tojoin said leg sec tions 10,13 into composite legs, indicated broadly l5.

vUpper leg sections 13 are also of channel stock but dimensioned fortelescopic relationship with therelated base leg section 10 so thatthesamernay bemutually positioned for controlling the overall length ofthe resulting composite legs 15. By'virtue of the angularity of'brackets 7 the composite legs 15 are thus inclined being presented forextending upwardly and inwardly from their lower ends, converginglytoward their upper ends. In their upper extreme portions upper legsections 13 are bent, as at 16, into vertical, axially parallelrelationship for engagement by bolts 17 to the depending flanges 18 ofthe components 19 of a support ring 20; there being a'plurality ofopenings 21 in the end portions of said components 19 for extensiontherethrough of said bolts 17. As may best be seen in FIGS. 2-4, saidring components 19 are of quadrant extent and incorporate an upperhorizontal flange 22. It is, of course, apparent that said ringcomponents 19 may be of less or greater extent than 'degrees, ifdesired, but for purposes of simplicity and sturdiness and in view-ofthe utilization of four legs 15, quadrant form has been shape of choice.Said ring components 19 are readily adapted for overlapping ortelescopic relationship, as

the case may be, with the associated openings 21 being positioned forselected registration with like openings in the-immediately adjacentcomponents 19 whereby ring 20 may be relatively expanded (as shown inFIG. 3) or relatively contracted (as illustrated in FIG. 4) for purposespresently appearing.

Mounted on upper leg sections 13, proximate the upper ends thereof areclasps 23, each of which comprises a bracket 24 mounted on the relatedleg section 13, as by a bolt 25, which bracket tightly engages theinturned end extremity 26 of extension 27 of a coil spring'28. In itsopposite portion coil spring 28 incorporates an extension 27' having aperpendicularly bent end extremity 30 received within a transverselyarcuated recess 31 formed in a clasp arm 32 for urging the head 33thereof toward the adjacent or confronting portion of leg section 13which latter serves as a fixed jaw for cooperation with the head 33 ormoveable jaw of clasp 23. Said clasps 23 are shown in the drawings asbeing mounted upon the outer faces of flanges of the channel stock fromwhich leg sections 13 are formed. It is apparent that the same may bereadily disposed on other locations with equal effectiveness.

From the foregoing it will be observed that the various elements ofholder A are uniquely constructed for integration into assembledcondition (see FIG. 1) wherein the same form a stable open framework;being resistant to tipping or unauthorized displacement by reason of theparticular configuration wherein a substantially relatively widened baseis provided. The upward inclination of legs 15 serve to relatively lowerthe filler of gravity and thereby conducing to enhanced stability. Legsections and 13 may be adjusted so as to alter the effective height ofholder A and ring components 19 may be also adjusted for controlling theeffective diameter of support ring 20. Thus, by the adjustability ofholder A, bags B of varying height and diameter may be accommodated withequal facility.

Also by forming holder A of a multiplicity of simply constructed, butstrong constituents said holder may be easily knocked-down ordisassembled with the elements being readily stored in minimum space orcompactly packaged for promoting ease of transport. The

collapsible character of holder A obviates the need for maintaining samein assembled condition during extensive periods of non-use wherein thesame, if stored out of doors, would be subjected to undue weather wear,or if maintained in doors,would usurp considerable state.

In use, with holder A in assembled condition, the user merely inserts abag downwardly through support ring 20, turning back the upper marginalportion of the bag opening and draping same about support ring 20 fordependency therefrom. The turned back portion need be of no greaterextent than as may be necessary to present the edge portion forengagement between clasp head 33 and the cooperating portion of legsection 13. It may be observed that head 33 is rounded, as at 33, so asto prevent the likelihood of any damage, as by tearing, to the bag. Anynumber of clasps 23 may be utilized, but it has been found that one oneach leg is adequate to maintain the bag against premature verticaldownward displacement during the filling operation.

With bag B thus held by clasps 23 and with the body of the bag disposedwithin the open framework at holder A, the mouth thereof is retained infully opened condition for facilitating filling of the bag as withleaves, grass, and the like or with refuse of any character. When thefilling operation is completed the user will release clasps 23 to freethe erstwhile engaged portions of said bag and turn same upwardly as fortying. The full bag B may then be easily withdrawn between adjacent legs15.

In view of the foregoing it will be seen that support ring 20 is soadjusted that its diameter will be slightly greater that that of the bagbeing filled and the overall dimensional relationships of the componentsof said holder A are determined to permit withdrawal of a filled bagbetween adjacent legs so that the user is spared the need to lift orotherwise manipulate bag B which when full is normally relativelyunwieldy.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 11, it will be seen that wheels or casters35 may be provided at the lower ends of legs 15 as by means of angulatedbrackets 36 secured to the web of the related base leg section 10 as bybolts 37. As shown in FIG. 1 wheels 35 may be mounted on but twoadjacent legs 15 so that holder A may be rendered mobile by merelytilting same for supported disposition upon said wheels 35. Thus, thetransportability of holder A is greatly enhanced by the facilerollability of the same through provision of wheels 35.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 another means of maintaining a bag Bin supported disposition upon holder A is shown with the same beingutilized in lieu of clasps 23 above described. A metal band 38 of springsteel is secured at its lower end upon one of said leg sections 13downwardly of support ring 20 and extends upwardly to a point alignedwith flange 18 of support ring components 19; there being a loop as at39 formed at its upper end. Extending through loop 39 is an elongatedelastic member 40 as formed of suitable elastomeric material and havinga width compatible with the vertical extent of flange 18 being throughits inherent resiliency as well as the bias of metal band 38 urgedsnugly against said flange 18. One end of said member 40 is firstlyengaged through the loop 39 of metal band 38 while the other end of saidmember 40 is provided with a hook member 41 for engaging said loop 39when said band 40 is in operative position.

It will be seen that with a bag B disposed upon holder A, and withmember 40 being open (see FIG. 10) and with the upper portion of saidbag being turned downwardly about support ring 20, said member 40 maythen be secured as by engaging hook 41 within loop 39. By suchengagement member 40 will be snugly urged against flange 18 for grippingthe intervening portion of said bag end as at b. Obviously, when bag Bis filled, the same may be easily removed by disengagement of member 40from metal band 38.

Thus, the aforesaid means for retaining bag B in position for filling iseasily accomplished, requiring the exercise of but limited force andwith the components being inexpensive but highly durable in usage.

As indicated above, holder, A may be fabricated of sturdy light-weightmaterial for conducing to an overall minimum weight conducive to ease ofhandling.

Holder A is useful with all types of refuse receptacles, but as shownabove, is particularly suited for bag-type receptacles such as thepresent day popular type formed of polyethylene.

Referring now to FIG. 12, another form of ring component or section 42is shown for developing support ring 20. Ring 42 comprises a verticalweb 43 with upper and lower outturned flanges 44,45 for developing achannel to facilitate relative slidable movement therein of cooperatingring components for facilitating expansion and contraction of ring inaccordance with the particular requirements. Each ring component;42 isprovided in the end portions of its web 43 with a multiplicity ofopenings 46 for selected registration with like openings in adjacentcomponents 42 for reception of screws (not shown) by which thecomponents 42 may be maintained in selected relationship. At their endsflanges 44,45 are cut away or tapered, as at 47, to eliminate anysharp'edge that might have a damaging effect upon the engaged bag.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to obtainby Letters Patent is:

l. A holder for a flexible refuse bag comprising a frame comprising anannular support having a vertical web portion, a plurality of uprightshaving upper and lower ends, the upper ends of said uprights beingengaged to said annular support at spaced-apart points thereon, avertically disposed band engaged at its lower end upon one of saiduprights downwardly of said annular support, said band having a loop atits upper end, an annular resilient member disposed encirclingly of saidvertical web portion and being urged thereagainst through itsresiliency, said resilient member passing through said loop at the upperend of said band.

2. A holder for a flexible refuse bag as defined in claim 1 and furthercharacterized by said band being made of metallic spring stock, and saidannular resilient member being formed of elastomeric material.

3. A holder for a flexible refuse bag as defined in claim 2 and furthercharacterized by said resilient member having a height substantiallycoextensive with the height of said vertical web portion to providerelatively extensive cooperating surfaces for engaging the interveningportions of a refuse bag.

4. A holder for a flexible refuse bag as defined in claim 1 and furthercharacterized by said annular support being comprised of four equalsegmental members, and means for interengaging said segmental members intheir adjacent end portions.

, 5. A holder for a flexible refuse bag comprising a frame comprising anannular support having a vertical web portion, first and second pairs ofuprights having upper and lower ends, the upper ends of said first pairof uprights being engaged to said annular support at diametrally opposedpoints thereon, the upper ends of said pair of uprights being engaged tosaid annular support at diametrally opposed points which latter pointsare distant through an arc of to the upper ends of the adjacent firstpair of uprights, a first base member interengaging the lower ends ofsaid first pair of uprights, a second base member interengaging thelower ends of said second pair of uprights, said first and second basemembers being in registering relationship in their central zones andmeans securing said first and second base members in said registeringcentral zones, a vertically disposed band made of metallic spring stockengaged at its lower end upon one of said uprights downwardly of saidother support, an annular resilient member disposed encirclingly of saidannular support and being urged thereagainst through its resiliency,said annular resilient member being formed of elastomeric material, saidband having a loop at its upper end, and said resilient member passingthrough said loop, said resilient member having a height substantiallycoextensive with the height of said vertical web portion to providerelatively extensive cooperating surfaces for engaging the interveningportions of the refuse bag.

1. A holder for a flexible refuse bag comprising a frame comprising anannular support having a vertical web portion, a plurality of uprightshaving upper and lower ends, the upper ends of said uprights beingengaged to said annular support at spacedapart points thereon, avertically disposed band engaged at its lower end upon one of saiduprights downwardly of said annular support, said band having a loop atits upper end, an annular resilient member disposed encirclingly of saidvertical web portion and being urged thereagainst through itsresiliency, said resilient member passing through said loop at the upperend of said band.
 2. A holder for a flexible refuse bag as defined iNclaim 1 and further characterized by said band being made of metallicspring stock, and said annular resilient member being formed ofelastomeric material.
 3. A holder for a flexible refuse bag as definedin claim 2 and further characterized by said resilient member having aheight substantially coextensive with the height of said vertical webportion to provide relatively extensive cooperating surfaces forengaging the intervening portions of a refuse bag.
 4. A holder for aflexible refuse bag as defined in claim 1 and further characterized bysaid annular support being comprised of four equal segmental members,and means for interengaging said segmental members in their adjacent endportions.
 5. A holder for a flexible refuse bag comprising a framecomprising an annular support having a vertical web portion, first andsecond pairs of uprights having upper and lower ends, the upper ends ofsaid first pair of uprights being engaged to said annular support atdiametrally opposed points thereon, the upper ends of said pair ofuprights being engaged to said annular support at diametrally opposedpoints which latter points are distant through an arc of 90* to theupper ends of the adjacent first pair of uprights, a first base memberinterengaging the lower ends of said first pair of uprights, a secondbase member interengaging the lower ends of said second pair ofuprights, said first and second base members being in registeringrelationship in their central zones and means securing said first andsecond base members in said registering central zones, a verticallydisposed band made of metallic spring stock engaged at its lower endupon one of said uprights downwardly of said other support, an annularresilient member disposed encirclingly of said annular support and beingurged thereagainst through its resiliency, said annular resilient memberbeing formed of elastomeric material, said band having a loop at itsupper end, and said resilient member passing through said loop, saidresilient member having a height substantially coextensive with theheight of said vertical web portion to provide relatively extensivecooperating surfaces for engaging the intervening portions of the refusebag.